Meet Sarah Carrell: Our first property partner covering Lanarkshire

Here are her thoughts on being a Cairn Property Partner

About Sarah

As a local property consultant for Cairn, I support landlords; sourcing, developing and letting residential property and working with them to set and achieve investment goals. I offer a personal connection, prompt personal attention to their properties and onsite tenant support and advice. This hands-on approach to the ongoing management of let properties helps to ensure tenant quality and a managed maintenance programme.

“Sarah really cares. With a long career in customer service, Sarah understands the importance of great service, and she gets to know her landlords and their tenants and has a very hands-on approach to property management. “

Why did you want to become a property partner? I wanted to take control of my life/work balance. I have a young daughter and being a property partner allows me flexibility in my working day. I am keen to grow my portfolio but I’m realistic as to what numbers I can manage and provide a quality service to my clients, that’s the most important thing for me.

What is your day-to-day role? – Meeting clients and tenants, personal marketing, running viewings and inspections, referencing new tenant applications and ensuring tenants move in and outs are managed efficiently. In addition, I am the single point of contact for all maintenance related issues to ensure tenants expectations are met.

How does head office support you? – I have a dedicated property manager at head office who will prepare all marketing collateral and legal documents for each property. They will also deal with tenant queries and instructing and managing repairs, along with all the financial aspects.

What training did you receive – Working with the business support team, Cairn tailored a comprehensive package for my needs, covering valuation, business development, documentation legislation and general property management. Ongoing support and updated training is key to me remaining at the forefront of our sector.

How do you get paid? – As this is a mutual investment, Cairn invests time and experience in training so I can deliver against agreed objectives. I am self-employed so I receive a percentage of the management fee monthly. This means that it’s up to me what I want my income to be.

What’s your favourite thing about being a property partner? – I love the flexibility of being my own boss, no two days are the same however I like the security of being able to pick up the phone to head office if I have anything I need to discuss.

Are you property partner material?

Do you have the acumen to understand the key legal and commercial aspects of letting and the commitment to personal care and service which hallmark the Cairn brand? If you have property management experience or a small portfolio of properties and being a property partner interests you then email in confidence to jillian@cairnestateagency.com